Cullen said things have changed a lot over the last half-decade, when the shelter went from euthanizing approximately 70 percent of its animals to saving 70 percent of them.

“There are consistently so many wonderful stories of compassion and lifesaving efforts that are made in shelters across this nation that go untold,” said Nicholas Cullen, director of Kern County Animal Services. “And if more people knew what lengths people like my staff go through each and every day to save just one animal’s life, it might encourage them to get their animals spayed or neutered, or decide to volunteer at a shelter, or donate to a shelter.” Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue

“We have since instituted a completely different organizational mindset,” Cullen said, “of making a significant effort to save each and every animal that comes to us.”

Still, while shelter staff did their best for Noel — one of the supervisors even took the pup to stay at her home for a time — a private rescue group would have more resources to devote to the hurt little dog.

Two days after Skow brought Noel into Marley’s Mutts, he was faced with a tough decision. Despite initial hopes that Noel’s other front leg could be saved, her veterinarians now advised that either she needed another amputation or would have to be euthanized.

Even though Skow had reservations about leaving a dog with only two legs, Noel seemed to want to live.

Zach Skow was thrilled with how quickly Noel adapted after her amputations.Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue

It quickly became clear that amputation had been the right decision, Skow said.

“Noel has amazed me with her approach towards life. She is moving right along — no pity, no hesitation, no regrets. She has a disability but it’s not going to prevent her from being happy. We can all take a page from her little book,” Skow wrote on Instagram.

“She hasn’t just adapted. She is thriving,” Skow told TODAY.

Noel is healthy and well now. Walking on her two hind legs isn’t the most comfortable way to get around, though, so she’s got a custom wheelchair on the way. She’s also had an adoption application put in by one of Skow’s neighbors — if he can bear to give her up, they’ll have “joint custody,” he explained.

Skow has some big plans for the spunky little dog. He’d like her to be trained to work with Marley’s Mutts’ therapy dog program. He thinks she’ll inspire people in a big way, by helping them see that “I am capable of adjusting to any obstacle,” Skow said. “The therapeutic effect she has on people is immediate.”

Skow knows this because he’s been through some tough times himself. He is a former alcoholic and drug addict who credits dogs with having helped save his life a decade ago. He finds comfort and inspiration in Noel now, too, and he knows others will feel the same.

“She is a constant reminder to me,” he said. “I’m missing my front legs and I am making this work.”